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by Ranil Wijayapala and Trincomalee correspondent

The situation in Muttur remained calm despite sporadic incidents in the area following the tense situation that arose following Tuesday's incidents, Police said yesterday.

Police used tear gas to disperse mobs who tried to arrive in Muttur from uncleared areas yesterday, Muttur Police said.

A few lorries and two houses were reportedly damaged in these incidents.

However, Police brought the situation under control and increased security in the area.

Earlier on Tuesday, police used tear gas and called for Army assistance to control rival unarmed mobs who fought each other in Muttur injuring four people.

The clash was between supporters and opponents of a hartal that was called in some parts of the Eastern Province to protest against the storming of an LTTE office. The hartal affected transport, school activities and other services in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.

In order to defuse the prevailing tense atmosphere and to bring back normality to the area, Port Development and Shipping Minister Rauf Hakeem yesterday had discussions with the Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando and Batticaloa - Trincomalee Bishop Swamipillai.

The Minister said that the two dignitaries have assured that they would take necessary measures in this regard.

Meanwhile, Minister Rauff Hakeem is in constant touch with the defence authorities.

Minister Hakeem has made arrangements to contact the LTTE Political Wing Leader Thamilchelvam and since he was away in Mullaitivu, the Minister had discussions with Pulithewan of LTTE on the current situation and the next steps to be taken.

The Minister also appealed to all peace loving people not to listen to rumours and to maintain calm by desisting from any provocative acts, noting that certain anti-peace elements are attempting to impart a religious shade to the Muttur incident.

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